November 10, 2009

Dishing out another thrifty gift.

I first "dished" on this a bit back in July 2008, but I wanted to bring it back along with some new ideas for your thrifty holiday gift giving consideration.



This DIY dessert stand is not only easy, it's well under $5 US if you play your thrifty cards right.


Get yourself a good epoxy glue. I use Goop, and I have to say it lives up to its promise of being pretty amazing. It's available at most crafty stores (I purchased it at Michael's for a few dollars) but I've also seen it at my local hardware store.


The "bases" are glass candlesticks I find at yard sales, thrift shops, rummage sales, etc. I've never paid more than $1 US for a pair (OK, once I think I paid $2 a pair and was kicking myself over the expense later), and you can often find mismatched singles for much less.

Just make sure the top "lip" is flat, since that's where you'll be affixing it to the dish.

It seems every yard or tag sale in my area has fancy dishes. And when I spy one in decent shape for a good price, I rarely pass it up.

Wash everything in warm soapy water and let them dry thoroughly before you begin. I just run the glass candlesticks through the dishwasher.

Following the instructions on the epoxy you're working with, affix the candlesticks to the underside of the plate and wipe away any excess with a damp towel.


Let them set upside-down for 24 hours, and voila...a bevvy of dessert stands!



The final product is totally hand washable but should not be immersed in water.

If you really want to go nuts, you can bake treats to gift with your plate. Here's my favorite brownies (under the watchful eyes of my four grandparents):


I've been finding a lot a lot glass domes that have been separated from their cheeseboard companions. When they're $2 or less, I pick them up to make the stands even fancier. The total cost for all of the supplies in this one below was $4.49:


Dishes without stands can be gussied up to make nice gifts, too. Here's a three for $4 set I bought at a local yard sale:

I always save packaging and gift boxes that I receive (much to my closet's chagrin), and found the perfect "nest" for one of the plates. I added a silver knife ($1) that I polished up and a vintage postcard ($2) that had a remarkably similar pattern to the dish!


You could look for vintage holiday-themed postcards, or find an electronic image of one you like and print it on card stock. And again, you can pair this with homemade goodies or cheese and crackers for a complete holiday hostess gift.

Yesterday: Tie one on -- wine carriers from men's ties.

Tomorrow: Baking up a thrifty gift.

Looking for more thrifty inspiration? Head over to Bloggeritaville.

28 comments:

Local Girl said...

So cute!!! I love it and what a great gift. Thanks for sharing x

Blondie's Journal said...

Very neat idea, Laura. I can't tell you how many times I have passed plates and glass candleholders up. Not anymore!!

Have a look at my post today. A blogger is doing something similar to this every Tuesday...

I am also having a giveaway!! Hooray! :-}

xoxo
Jane

Purple Flowers said...

I love this idea. It is so very pretty, useful and you created it!! I wish I went shoppig w/you. :)

j.cro said...

Excellent idea!!!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

I did these dishes as Christmas gifts a couple years ago and they were a hit. I LOVE that last pic, the plate with the knife-GORGEOUS! Hey, link up to Thrifty Thursday with this great idea! HUGS! sweet friend.

Beach House Living said...

Great idea now we all know what to do with those mismatched plates we have hanging around that don't get used but we don't part with them either!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

These are adorable...I LOVE epoxy! I have been gluing everything to candlesticks lately...Next week I will post an idea about a similar project...stay tuned!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

O love this idea....I'm on it girl, xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, I remember when you did this last year and loved it then. These are just super neat! Good job, and thanks so much for the tutorial. I might have to try this!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Jen Walshaw said...

What a fab idea, I am going to add this to my list of things I am looking for from Charity shops. Thanks for the lovley comments on my blog too

Joyce said...

You did a fabulous job! I love the poppy plate. My friend you have been busy. xoxo

Unknown said...

Laura this is a great idea! And thanks for the name of the glue...I've often wondered what kind it takes to hold these dishes together!

Lorrie said...

This is a super idea Laura. So simple and it turns out just lovely. I need to make the rounds of my local thrifts and see what I can find!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love it Laura! A girl can never have enough dessert pedestals.

What I want to know is where is the recipe for your brownies?

Aimee said...

This is such a fun idea! Especially love making them and then delivering it with treats on already. Very clever.

modernemama said...

OK, I need someone to teach me how to thrift shop, I never see candlesticks like that for under $10. Help!

Jean Martha said...

I picked up 2 cheese domes this weekend. Both of my sisters are getting dessert plates for Christmas! I've been using E-6000 glue on my sets but will try the other glue too.

Sue said...

What a fabulous idea...especially the one where you found a dome that fit the platter perfectly...I'm very impressed with your talents...

Rue said...

LOVE IT! (and by the way, that's not just GOOP, it's "Amazing GOOP!")

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Laura...

Oooh...what beautiful dessert pedistal plates! I really do love this idea! There are just sooo many beautiful plates and elevating them with a candleholder, etc...just makes such a stunning display! I was wondering if the "Goop" dries clear? I was reading on another blog about Gorilla glue...the commentor was surprised that it dried white...not clear!

Well my friend...thank you so much for sharing your creativity and talents with us...I love this idea!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Totally love this one!! Now I need to figure out how to get on your gift list (lol)! Offering up brownies as a gift is great...but on these pedestal cake servers....well that is just fantastic...and what a bargain. Beautiful gift idea.
♥, Susan

Unknown said...

I'm crazy for this idea. Let me at the Goop!

Marigene said...

Those little footed dessert plates are adorable...great idea...I see many glass candle holders at the thrift shop. Thanks for sharing.

Keetha Broyles said...

You are just way clever and creative!!! My favorites are those pink floral plates.

Kate said...

Great idea! I think I am going to try this for Christmas gifts this year! I know several people that would love this! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa D. said...

i love this idea!! i never, ever would have thought of this on my own. i love baking cakes and cupcakes and cookies, and i never have ANYTHING cute to put them in/on. this is perfect!! i'm going to try it over the weekend. :) i love that i could make a different one for each of my friends to match their individual kitchens/styles.

Almost Mrs Average said...

What a gorgeous vintage idea. Glad I popped over from Violet Posy for a peek :-D

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Good deal, girlfriend!
Thank you for linking up to Thrifty Thursday this week, and as always thank you for being a friend in Bloggeritaville.
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com